Hi Mark,

Thanks for the consultation.

The proposed development will affect an early farmstead which has been identified through the Historic Farmsteads and Landscape Character in Staffordshire Project (2008). As such, the traditional buildings here are non-designated historic assets of archaeological and historic interest. The farmstead existed by the late 19th Century, but a 2006 PDNPA archaeological survey indicated that the building that is the subject of this application pre-dates 1800 (they are shown on an estate plan of this date).

The building is already partially converted to domestic use, and the currently uncovered section appears to be a former cow house with hayloft over.

A site and building assessment previously requested has been provided, and this provides sufficient information to be able to conclude that the core significance of this non-designated heritage asset lies in its:

- traditional agricultural character – this demonstrates its agricultural origin and function
- traditional materials – which are characteristic of the area
- the location, form and size of historic openings – which retain the legibility of its historic function.

The building also has surviving elements of historic fabric and features – internally and externally, although it is clear that internally only fragments of features survive.

The proposed conversion will result in minor harm to the significance of this non-designated heritage asset, through the loss of historic fabric and the insertion of modern features that are not in keeping with its agricultural character e.g. rooflights, flue etc., moving the former pitching hole in the east elevation, and the entire removal of the original wall that divided the two sections of the building at the first floor level.

As an option to minimise this harm I would recommend that the window opening is retained in situ and the cross wall is not entirely removed in the internal design.

Should the proposals be considered acceptable with respect to planning balance and the harm identified above is deemed to be outweighed by public benefit, then I advise that the archaeological and historic impacts detailed above be addressed through a conditioned scheme of building recording. This would need to be a programme of descriptive building recording to Historic England 2016 Understanding Historic Buildings guidance Level 2. This needs to incorporate a full visual record when the buildings have been emptied and cleared out and safe access provided to all areas. It would also need to include elements of a drawn record (annotated plan and elevation drawings showing the form and location of surviving historic fabric; photograph location and direction plan), and a written record and description of the buildings and historic features/fabric revealed, and analysis of historic use and development.

It can make use and build on the research already undertaken to produce the site assessment submitted in support of the application.

This is in accordance with NPPF para 199, and a suitable condition to achieve this is suggested below.

HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING

a) No development shall take place until a Written Scheme of Investigation for a programme of historic building recording (Level 2) has been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority in writing. The Written Scheme of Investigation shall include an assessment of significance and research questions; and

1. The programme and methodology of site investigation and recording
2. The programme and provision for post-investigation analysis and reporting
3. Provision to be made for publication and dissemination of the analysis and records of the site investigation
4. Provision to be made for archive deposition of the analysis and records of the site investigation
5. Nomination of a competent person or persons/organisation to undertake the works set out within the Written Scheme of Investigation"

b) No development shall take place until all on-site elements of the approved scheme have been completed to the written satisfaction of the local planning authority.

c) The development shall not be occupied until the site investigation and post investigation reporting has been completed in accordance with the programme set out in the archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation approved under condition (a) and the provision to be made for publication and dissemination of results and archive deposition has been secured.

Thanks,

Natalie.

Natalie Ward Senior Conservation Archaeologist 01629 816243 Natalie.Ward@peakdistrict.gov.uk